Yes. OrganicGUARD is designed specifically for the establishment phase of perennial crops, where weed control, soil moisture conservation, and soil protection are critical during the first years.

It is used successfully in a wide range of perennial systems, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, orchards (apple, pear, cherry), nut trees (hazelnut, walnut, chestnut), vineyards, maple groves, agroforestry plantings, and other perennial crops where repeated soil disturbance is not desirable.

Yes. This is a common concern — and largely a myth.

OrganicGUARD is not porous, but water reaches the root zone naturally through:

• rainfall flowing down leaves and stems toward the trunk or crown

• irrigation systems, when used, depending on the crop and production system

• lateral soil moisture movement beneath the mulch

This solution is compatible with drip irrigation when applicable, and fertigation remains optional depending on crop requirements and grower practices. The mulch reduces surface evaporation and helps preserve soil moisture.

If roots ever require additional water, they will naturally grow toward available moisture. In practice, water stress caused by mulch is extremely rare when rainfall or irrigation is properly managed.

Yes — and this is an important clarification.

Roots develop in the soil, not in the mulch. With a 1 m × 1 m mulch installed and the plant positioned at the center, roots are protected over a 50 cm radius while growing downward and outward beneath the mulch layer.

By preserving soil moisture and moderating soil temperature, OrganicGUARD creates a more stable soil microclimate. This reduces stress on young plants and often results in faster, more uniform root development during establishment.

Roots naturally follow moisture and nutrient gradients in the soil profile. The mulch protects the soil surface while supporting normal — and often accelerated — root growth beneath it.

OrganicGUARD is available in two service lifespans:

• 3 years

• 5 years

The correct choice depends on crop type, weed pressure, climate, and how long weed control is required during establishment.

Once its service life is reached, OrganicGUARD gradually loses its mechanical function at the soil surface.

From that point on, biodegradation continues over time through natural soil biological activity. The rate of this process varies depending on climate, soil biology, moisture, and microbial activity.

In perennial crop systems where the objective is to maintain a functional mulch for up to 5 years, complete biodegradation typically occurs over an additional 7 to 10 years.

Throughout this process, the material is transformed into water, CO₂, and biomass, without requiring removal and without leaving plastic or microplastic residues in the soil.

No.

OrganicGUARD does not contain polyethylene and does not generate microplastics.

While polyethylene fragments into persistent microplastics that remain in the soil for decades, OrganicGUARD undergoes controlled fragmentation as part of the biodegradation process and is fully metabolized by soil microorganisms.

It biodegrades into:

• water

• CO₂

• biomass

No plastic residue remains in the soil.

The ability to maintain a functional mulch membrane for up to 5 years is proven.

The real question is not whether the material works — but whether this system is compatible with your specific growing conditions and objectives.

The recommended approach is to test the solution on a limited area before large-scale deployment, then scale once performance is validated under real field conditions.

Before selecting a long-term mulch system for perennial crops, it’s important to consider:

• crop type and planting density

• local climate and temperature extremes

• expected duration of weed control during establishment

• natural rainfall patterns and/or irrigation practices

• soil biology, organic matter, and drainage conditions

Choosing the correct service life — and installing the product properly — are key to long-term performance.

Every farm is different. That’s why we’re always available to discuss your specific conditions and help determine whether this solution is the right fit for your system.